4. Vet and verify. Identity theft is common in the consumer world, but it is also a common method of strategic theft. The best way to prevent it is by vetting carriers thoroughly. Thieves will steal the identity of a legitimate trucking company then go to a load board and solicit a load that appeals to them. “In that scenario, freight brokers have to be good at vetting that carrier and realizing that it is not actually ABC Trucking, even though it’s pretending to be,” Cornell says. That means learning to spot the red flags that indicate identity theft has taken place and putting in place measures that prevent thieves from accessing the screening process in the first place. In the case of a so-called fictitious pickup, a freight broker may have done everything correctly, including properly vetting a legitimate carrier. However, cargo thieves will show up ahead of the scheduled pickup, pretend to be the appropriate carrier, and then be allowed to take the cargo erroneously. “It is important for there to be open lines of communication and good processes and procedures in place with that shipper to verify that the carrier and
“Anything you can do to deter a thief for a bit makes it more likely they will go somewhere else,” Lewis says. Technology also offers an array of ways to help curb cargo theft. That includes visibility tools and GPS-based covert tracking, which can be integrated into the trailer or into the cargo itself. Technology also can provide alerts when doors have been opened or when a truck is moving when it is not supposed to be. Carriers, drivers, and others also should be aware of trends in cargo theft so that they are aware of areas where cargo often is stolen and how it’s stolen so that they can avoid possible vulnerabilities. For instance, CargoNet provides data and intelligence about theft that companies can use to improve security, including noting routes and stops that have proven to be problem areas. If CargoNet puts out Be On the Lookout (BOLO) notices about cargo thefts into a particular area, then carriers and others should be aware of that threat and take precautions accordingly. “It’s important for companies to ask if they’re getting the right information to their decision-makers so that they can act accordingly,” Lewis says.
“A red zone is about making sure drivers are fueled and rested prior to picking up the freight, so that when they pick up a load, they can travel 200 to 250 miles without making a stop,” he says. “That won’t eliminate the opportunity for cargo thieves to follow them, but more often than not thieves are looking for the truck that will go 20 to 30 miles,” Cornell says. “You improve your odds.” As part of their procedures, shippers need to have a firm plan in place in the event of a theft. That includes knowing what resources to access and who to contact immediately for support to work toward recovering the stolen cargo. “If a theft occurs at 2 a.m. Friday, everybody needs to know what their role is, and they need to be able to execute it quickly because after the first 24 to 48 hours, the chances of recovery drop by 50%,” Cornell says.
3. Leverage tools, data, and intelligence
Tactically, locks and plastic seals are a vital part of securing loads. The simple use of locks—such as high- security rear locks, landing gear locks, air cuff locks and kingpin locks— can have a consequential impact on combating theft.
Q3 SUPPLY CHAIN RISK TRENDS
44 Inbound Logistics • February 2024
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